AXREM Response to the UK Government Technology Adoption Review
24 June 2025
AXREM welcomes the publication of the Technology Adoption Review by the Government Chief Scientific Adviser and the National Technology Adviser. As the representative body for the UK’s leading medical imaging, radiotherapy, and healthcare IT manufacturers, we strongly support the Review’s ambition to accelerate the adoption of transformative technologies across the UK economy.
Bridging Innovation and Implementation in HealthTech
The Review rightly identifies that while the UK is a global leader in innovation, the diffusion of technology, particularly in healthcare, remains uneven. AXREM members are at the forefront of deploying advanced diagnostic imaging, AI-enabled decision support, and precision radiotherapy solutions. Yet, systemic barriers such as fragmented procurement, inconsistent digital infrastructure, and workforce readiness continue to hinder widespread adoption.
Diagnostics and Radiotherapy: Catalysts for Systemic Change
We urge the Government to recognise diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy not only as clinical enablers but as economic multipliers. Investment in these technologies drives earlier diagnosis, reduces treatment costs, and improves patient outcomes, key levers for NHS productivity and sustainability. The Review’s emphasis on cross-sector collaboration and regional innovation clusters is particularly welcome, and we advocate for HealthTech to be embedded within these frameworks.
Recommendations for Action
- Targeted R&D and Adoption Incentives: Expand innovation accelerators and funding schemes to include diagnostic and radiotherapy technologies, with a focus on real-world evaluation and rapid scaling.
- Procurement Reform: Introduce value-based procurement models that reward innovation, sustainability, and long-term system impact.
- Digital Infrastructure and Interoperability: Prioritise investment in secure, interoperable systems that enable seamless integration of imaging and therapy platforms.
- Workforce Development: Support training programmes that equip NHS staff with the skills to adopt and optimise emerging technologies, including AI & Digital Pathology.
- Regulatory Agility: Streamline regulatory pathways for novel technologies while maintaining patient safety and public trust.
A Call for Strategic Partnership
AXREM and its members stand ready to collaborate with Government, the NHS, and academic partners to turn the Review’s vision into measurable outcomes. By aligning industrial strategy with frontline healthcare needs, we can ensure that transformative technologies deliver both economic growth and equitable patient care.